The Detroit Lions have announced a set of impactful roster decisions ahead of their Week 15 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams, highlighted by the season-ending placement of safety Brian Branch on injured reserve and the return of tight end Shane Zylstra from IR.
🔹 Branch’s Season Is Over
Pro Bowl safety Brian Branch suffered a torn Achilles tendon late in a recent game, and the Lions have now officially moved him to injured reserve — effectively ending his 2025 campaign. The injury occurred while Branch was making a play on the ball, and he underwent surgery earlier in the week. His absence further depletes Detroit’s secondary, which has already been hit hard by injuries this season.
With Branch on IR, Detroit will lean on remaining safeties and recent additions, including veteran Jalen Mills and practice-squad signee Damontae Kazee, to help fill the void in coverage.
🔹 Zylstra Returns to Action
On the offensive side, tight end Shane Zylstra has been activated from injured reserve. Zylstra — sidelined earlier in the season with a knee injury — provides much-needed depth at tight end, especially with starter Sam LaPorta out for the year and fellow TE Brock Wright unavailable.
Detroit also elevated safety Erick Hallett and tight end Giovanni Ricci from the practice squad, giving the Lions more options at positions thin due to injury.
🔹 What This Means for Detroit
Defensive Impact: Losing Branch for the season is a significant blow — he was one of the team’s most versatile and effective defenders. Detroit’s safety group will look very different without his range and playmaking ability.
Offensive Adjustment: Zylstra’s return adds a familiar blocker and occasional pass-catcher back into Detroit’s offense, a boost with the tight end room already stretched thin.
Depth Moves: The elevations of Hallett and Ricci reflect how the Lions are juggling depth across both sides of the ball when injuries hit hard.
As the Lions continue their playoff push with critical games ahead, these roster moves highlight how depth and health are becoming key factors in Detroit’s 2025 campaign.
Big Roster Update: Lions Bid Farewell to Branch for 2025, Welcome Zylstra Back
